The two men were found on steep ground on the Devil's Point. Photo: Nigel Brown CC-BY-SA-2.0

Two walkers were found perched in a precarious position after a major search operation involving eight mountain rescue teams in the Cairngorms.

The pair rang for help about 6.45pm yesterday to say they were lost in the Devil’s Point area.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A full mountain rescue deployment was immediately launched, building to eight mountain rescue teams, as well as the RAF search and rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth.”

Police said the two men were found in a very precarious location on the high plateau about 8.15am, suffering from hypothermia and exhaustion.

They were then airlifted by helicopter to the mountain rescue centre at Braemar.

Chief Inspector Andrew Todd, team leader of the Police Scotland (Grampian) Mountain Rescue Team, said: “This mountain rescue incident gave us grave cause for concern as the lives of these individuals were clearly in jeopardy.

“Specially-trained and experienced mountain rescue officers worked through the night with volunteers from both the Braemar and Aberdeen mountain rescue teams.

“We brought in support from volunteer teams in both Tayside and the Highlands & Islands, as well as search and rescue dogs and the RAF, so that we could find the hillwalkers before they succumbed to cold, wet and exhaustion.

“It was very rewarding for all those involved when we found them.

“They were on very steep ground and unable to move, but we were able to evacuate them safely back to Braemar.

“Thankfully, they did not sustain any serious injuries and were able to return home after they were checked over at the mountain rescue centre.”

The 1,004m (3,294ft) munro Devil’s Point overlooks the Lairig Ghru, close to Corrour Bothy.